Rand Paul: ‘Will Be Very, Very Difficult’ for Jeb Bush to Run in 2016 Primary

On Tuesday’s broadcast of “The Kelly File” on the Fox News Channel, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) weighed in on former Gov. Jeb Bush’s (R-FL) announcement he would begin the early stages of seeking the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

Paul offered a possible theory on why Bush is getting in the contest so early, but warned the former Florida governor has hurdles to overcome.

Transcript as follows:

KELLY: Let’s switch gears. Today a potential presidential contender, Jeb Bush, announced that he’ll quote, “Actively explore the possibility of running for president in 2016.” He said he hasn’t made a final decision, but this is a much bigger step than he’s taken thus far. You have not gone that far yet and said maybe in six months, I’ll make a decision. Some people are saying, come on, Senator, make a decision. Why is Jeb Bush out ahead of you?

PAUL: Well, maybe he has more ground he needs to gain. He’s been out of this for a while. So maybe he needs to get back in and practice up a bit. I don’t know. I can’t determine why other people — I just know what I’m going to do.

KELLY: So six months out?

PAUL: Wait a few more months, yes.

KELLY: You said that nobody who has said that they’re for Common Core could win the Republican primary. That seems to be a direct shot at him – because he’s the hugest proponent.

PAUL: But it would be very difficult. Most of us believe in less federal government and more decentralized government, particularly with education. You know, Ronald Reagan ran on the platform of getting rid of the Department of Education. We’ve always believed in decentralized education. So for Jeb Bush to run in the primary will be very, very difficult because if you’re going to be for a national curriculum and for Common Core and No Child Left Behind, this accumulation of power in Washington, that’s not very popular. It’s going to be an overcoming if he thinks he can win the primary.